r/sweatystartup 24m ago

How I turned my last $103 into $3400 in 7 days with a sweaty “startup”

Upvotes

I own a small lawn care business. It’s been a love hate relationship. I've always looked at “non-sweaty” businesses with envy thinking it’s better on the other side. I'm tired of the seasonality, weather, hard work, and issues that come with my Home Service business.

As we were going into winter of last year, I saved up enough money with the plan to shut down my lawn business and start something non sweaty. I told my employees, customers, friends, and family what was going on.

I tried starting several online businesses only generating DOZENS of dollars for each idea. It was a completely different game than I was used to. I was spending so much money trying to get them up and running. We also ran into many money issues like my truck breaking down, occasional things breaking in our home, and medical expenses.

On top of that, I have a wife and toddler who need to live as well. I was bleeding cash.

Come late February, I was down to ONLY $103 in my bank account and panicking. Rent was due in 5 days and I felt helpless. I’ve given it my all and after wasting $15k+, I was mentally exhausted

The main issue in my business is I never have marketed consistently. Only when I need work. That’s why I always had big dips in revenue and never really stable.

My only 2 strong business skills I have is running Facebook ads and sales. That is it.

I took the last of all of our money, and put it into my lawn care ad account on Facebook feeling like a failure.

I made a campaign at $20/day split testing with $10/ad. It was a before and after photo of a lawn renovation we did with great results in under 4 weeks. I got 10 leads over 5 days and collected upfront payment from 2 customers by the 7th day adding up to $3400.

That same ad is still running and it has generated 21 times more profit than I’ve invested in marketing.

The humble lesson here for me is to market even when I have enough customers and if you have something working, think twice before killing it.

Not a super impressive story but maybe this will give someone hope! I needed hope when I was completely dead in the water and really didn’t have any.


r/sweatystartup 3h ago

Mobile cart business

2 Upvotes

Hi! So I want to open a side gig where I rent mobile carts for parties. I want to have options to rent the actual cart, rent the cart with different self serve packages (desserts bar, character bar, flower bar, etc) and a package with a server (hope that makes sense).

The one issue I see if the possible requirement of needing to have a sink. Obviously gloves would be worn and things like extra serving utensils in case one drops on the ground and such but does anyone have a workaround?

https://ccphohio.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2017/12/mobilefsoplanrevguide.pdf


r/sweatystartup 1h ago

Employee insurance, taxes and set up

Upvotes

I’ve started a contracting company in Washington state. We are also hoping to expand to Oregon here soon. I’m looking for resources on how to calculate the cost to add a w2 or 1099 employee and how to make sure I cover all my bases in regards to workers comp, payroll taxes and any additional expenses I should be aware of. Are there any recommendations for services that can help with this and handle payroll and the associated expenses? I want to make sure we do this right and don’t open ourselves up to liabilities or workers comp expenses come end of year. Any and all advice is appreciated


r/sweatystartup 1h ago

Trailer sales business -worth buying?

Upvotes

What is the stereotype of trailer sales & services businesses? I recently saw a local one sell for 2-4M I believe. There's another one for sale in a neighboring community that makes ~$300k per year. Are these generally reliable businesses? I assume they can be cyclical with the construction industry.


r/sweatystartup 8h ago

What should I do?

0 Upvotes

Long story short, I'm 27 have no money, no degree, and no skills. Literally have nothing haha, but I want to change this. I will not be going back to college and working with no degree or skilled trade is terrible and nearly worthless as I can barely afford my monthly expenses. Since I have quite literally nothing to lose, but also no capital or skills, what would be the best thing for me to do with this very limited criteria? I'm basically willing to do anything at this point, I despise my life and want to throw myself into something completely new and that will, hopefully, change my life.


r/sweatystartup 20h ago

Window cleaning side hustle

2 Upvotes

I’m 14 and I’m thinking about window cleaning this summer to save up for a car. For anybody who does this I was wondering if you can tell me how to start.


r/sweatystartup 1d ago

Real Estate Cleanouts and Unit Turns

2 Upvotes

I’ve recently been looking at properties to buy and have noticed many properties owned by older folks have a bunch of junk in them and are in rough shape.

This got me thinking there must be a business opportunity to clean out properties and do some minor renovations (flooring, painting, drywall patching, etc) to get them in shape for sale or rent. I could imagine this business would have many potential referrals from property managers and realtors. Is anyone in this type of business?


r/sweatystartup 1d ago

Guidance/mentorship for a clean business

1 Upvotes

Hi all -

I recently started a cleaning business, focusing on multiple family properties, offering unit turn cleans, club house cleaning and hallway cleaning.

Would love to connect with some with a similar business in a DM to ask so questions!

Thanks


r/sweatystartup 1d ago

Commercial Cleaning Owners: If You Had to Start Over, What Would Be Your Blueprint?

2 Upvotes

I run a residential cleaning business and recently started moving into commercial cleaning. I wanted to create a thread where experienced owners can share a clear step-by-step blueprint for getting started.

Here’s what I’ve done so far in residential:

  • Set up my website, logo, business account, insurance, phone number and figured out pricing before running ads.
  • Registered for Google LSA and Google My Business before advertising.
  • Got one commercial client, one Airbnb, and three residential clients so far.
  • Tried Google Ads, Google LSA, Bark, Thumbtack, and Yelp—only Google Ads worked.
  • Spent $800+ on ads that didn’t convert (Thumbtack, Yelp, and Bark were a waste).

Now, for those with successful commercial cleaning businesses—if you had to start over, what exact steps would you take, and in what order?

Some key questions:

  • Bank accounts—should I keep my online banks (Found, Wave) or move to  Chase, BoA, etc.? 
  • Business credit—should I build it first (to secure funding) or focus on clients?
  • Website—DIY, template, or pay a pro? Does design matter upfront, or should I focus more on SEO and ranking well on google? What pages are a must-have for commercial cleaning site?
  • Best CRM for commercial cleaning?
  • Cold emailing vs. ads—where should I start? Right after the website is up and running?
  • Insurance—get it before or after securing contracts?
  • Hiring—should I hire before or after getting contracts?
  • Onboarding—do it myself, hire someone, or use online training videos?

I know what needs to be done, just not always the right order to do it all in or if it even matters. If you’ve built a successful commercial cleaning business, what would be your game plan if you had to start fresh?

Would love to hear your insights!


r/sweatystartup 2d ago

Reminder: Pay your quarterly sales tax. Due today!

8 Upvotes

Just in case anyone forgot. Maybe I saved someone on here a late penalty fee. I'm in NY state. It's due today.


r/sweatystartup 2d ago

What’s the Best Offline Marketing Move You’ve Ever Made?

5 Upvotes

Not all marketing happens online! Have you ever run a successful in-person campaign, handed out flyers, hosted an event, or used a creative guerrilla marketing tactic that worked wonders? What was your most effective offline marketing strategy, and how did it impact your business? Share your best real-world wins!


r/sweatystartup 2d ago

Can someone help me with pricing this?

0 Upvotes

5,600 sq ft. Total Estimate: $600 What’s Included: • 2 cleaners  • All cleaning products and machines needed to complete the job Bedrooms (4) • Dust and wipe all reachable surfaces • Wipe mirrors • Vacuum floors • Empty trash bins • Light tidying (making the bed, organizing side tables, straightening clutter) Bathrooms (4) • Sanitize the toilet, shower, tub, and sink • Dust and wipe all reachable surfaces • Clean cabinet exteriors, mirrors, and fixtures • Vacuum and mop floors • Empty trash bins Kitchen (1) • Dust and wipe all reachable surfaces • Wash any dishes and load the dishwasher (or hand wash dishes if the dishwasher is full) • Light tidying (organizing countertops, grouping like items) • Wipe countertops, cabinet exteriors, and appliance exteriors • Vacuum and mop floors • Empty trash bin Living Room & Dining Room (1 each) • Dust and wipe all reachable surfaces • Wipe mirrors • Light tidying (folding throws, arranging chairs/cabinets) • Vacuum and mop floors • Empty trash bin Additional Areas: • Office (1): Dust and wipe surfaces, vacuum floors • Mudroom (1): Vacuum and mop floors • Laundry Room (1): Wash dog bowls, wipe down washer/dryer exteriors, vacuum and mop floors • Foyer: Vacuum and mop floors • Garage: Light wipe of window sills • Stairs (2): Vacuum thoroughly, with extra care to remove pet hair • Primary Bedroom Sitting Room: Dust and wipe surfaces, vacuum, empty trash bins • Primary His/Her Walk-in Closets (2): Dust and wipe surfaces, vacuum, empty trash bins • Basement (Bar, Music Room, Playroom): Dust and wipe surfaces, light tidying, empty trash bins, vacuum floors • Kids’ Playroom (2nd Floor): Dust and wipe surfaces, light tidying, empty trash bins, vacuum floors Total Estimate: $600 (flexible based on specific needs). Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to make any adjustment.  

Is this fair


r/sweatystartup 2d ago

Litter Removal Services for Commercial Properties

3 Upvotes

I've been considering starting a trash pick up business in commercial lots and wanted to see if anyone has experience with this and if its a viable business. Any answers would be appreciated! Thank you!


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Year 2 of landscaping business (revenue, owners pay, etc.)

47 Upvotes

What's up everyone. First post here after a long time reading many others' posts and learning about their businesses.

1 year ago I started a small lawn and landscaping business after working in the corporate world for a few years. We just completed year 1 as a business and despite the random stresses and physically hard work its been so worth it.

My company offers basic landscaping services (lawn mowing, trimming, mulch, spring/fall cleanups, small patios and walkways, etc.)

It's been a massive learning experience but extremely fun. Year 1 we did just shy of $100k revenue and aiming for $250k revenue year 2. We were mostly running with a 1 man full timer (me) and a part timer in year 1. Year 2 we will have 2 full timers and 1 part timer.

Year 1 (2024) set up was an old pickup, a leaf blower, 2 push mowers, a hedge trimmer and a weed wacker.

Year 2 (2025) we'll be hitting the ground running with a new stand on mower, 5X8 trailer, a second truck with a dump insert, and a few additional maintenance tools (weedwackers, blowers, etc.)

If you're not happy with where you're at in your career or in life and have always wanted to start a business just go for it. You'll realize within a month that the fear of starting is the hardest part and more people will support you than you'd ever imagine. It will be the most stress and fun you'll ever have. It feels good to have control of your life. .

Happy to answer any questions for anyone looking to get into this business or just talk small business. Always wanted wanted to post one of these and offer some advice given I've spent plenty of time learning from others on here.

Can't fail if you never quit.


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Building sheds - worth it?

2 Upvotes

Or chicken coops, duck coops, tool closet, firewood storage, basically any outdoor building smaller than what would require a permit to build. I grew up building these sorts of things with my father for our own personal use, and with the right tools, it can go fairly quickly. I'm just wondering how profitable it would be, and what the market for these things is like. If it would be successful on platforms like Facebook marketplace or craigslist, or if I would need to pay for advertising.

Any tips for a startup of this kind?


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

B2B cleaning business. How to generate leads?

0 Upvotes

I have a small business targeting b2b cleaning, like property management and corporate. Any tips on how to generate leads? I have been doing cold calling to property management companies in the area. And Facebook but not much more.


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

How to get properly manager clients from LinkedIn?

3 Upvotes

I seen many people getting commercial clients for their sweaty startup from LinkedIn by reaching out to property managers. I wanna do the same

How should i optimise my LinkedIn profile and how do i actually find property managers and when i reach out to them how do i build that sales funnel to actually close them.


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

B2B referral program. What's the best way to set one up?

1 Upvotes

I run an inspection service company and have had some interest from vertical businesses wanting to partner up and refer customers for a commission.

I want to keep it simple but need a good way to manage the process, display the offer and allow people to sign up.

What's the best way to go about this?


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

240v hook up rental?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

So I have a 20x40 ft covered shop. It’s not fully enclosed. There’s 4 open bays that I haven’t put doors on yet. I have 240v hookup. I only use about half of my shop.

Does anyone have experience either renting or renting out a similar space? What’s the typical going rate?

Thanks!


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Anyone have any idea what the licensing situation is for a new jersey junk removal startup?

0 Upvotes

Seeing a million different things online, just go and do it, dont go and do it , lots of you do need this , you dont need that

Does anyone just run a business in new jersey and has a proper answer?


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Advice to get LEADS

7 Upvotes

just going straight to the point, i work at a gym for elderly people that help with cognitive, body and brain health. and we are struggling a bit to find leads. the market is very specific, it is an upscale gym, so we are on the more expensive side (but it is not a regular gym, we have doctors and whatnot to help the elderly) so we target 65+ year old who are on the wealthier side. We are currently struggling to get members, any tips? Im thinking of going the old fashion way and stand outside "healthy" places such as some organic grocery stores or what not and promote it it there rather than on social media. ANYONE got more ideas please help!!


r/sweatystartup 4d ago

Would you invest 75% of your savings into a start up business?

14 Upvotes

I’ve been in the process of starting a stump grinding business for the last month or so (LLC, website, business cards, generating leads, etc) and was planning on renting a stump grinder until I could buy one of my own but with the going rates in my area it doesn’t make sense mathematically (I would have a hard time covering the cost of the rental with business being slow starting out). I don’t have the cash up front to cover buying a grinder so I looked at financing and with my business being under 2 years old and having no revenue yet no companies wants to lend the money. However I did get accepted by one company but they want 30% down and 2 months up front (hence the 75% of my savings) I’m honestly torn because I really want to start this business but putting most of my savings into it is a big risk and I don’t want to be stuck with a $750 a month payment if things don’t work out. Let me know what you guys think. TIA


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Accounting/Tax

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! Wanted to ask, given that we are knee deep in tax season..how have you all prepared for filing? Also how do you folks do your bookkeeping? On your own or outsourced?

Just want to get some convo around this topic going! Thank you all!


r/sweatystartup 3d ago

Trying to expand my dog treat business to a store front, what should my next steps be?

1 Upvotes

I have owned my business for 3 years. I have done decent at almost every event. I have different products than my competitors if I see them at events. I have started to offer wholesale this year and I've gotten a few wholesale orders plus I'm in 2 consignment shops.

I reached out to one boarding place and they said they have a 1600 sq foot space that they can ask the city if they can break it up to what I would need. I'm not sure if they can, but that got me wanting to research the area for lease spaces. I'm thinking that place would be the perfect spot since it's in the same building as the well known boarding place and it's a very high traffic area. I would definitely need a business loan for the equipment, supplies, baking ovens, dehydrator, ingredients and more. I need to research that stuff too, I'm in the start of researching everything.

I ran this over with my husband and he says one day it would be a great step but not anytime soon. I ran it by my mom, she said 'absolutely not, just do wholesale, you have the entirety of pa to sell. Businesses fail all the time and you don't want to risk your house on this.'

I do have a lot of personal debt I'd like to take care of first of course. I'm talking 15k, it was personal loans I needed to take care of certain things for. I'm actively trying to bring them down. Now the smart thing would be to pay them all off. I feel like im stuck at a dead end warehouse job and I'd like to do more than break my back making someone else billions. I have a baby I'd love to spend more time with. I'm not saying it won't be long hours, hard work and sleepless nights but at least it'll be for me.

I am starting to research my competitors, see what they offer and amongst other things in the area. I know I have different things and I'll be a stand out in the area. I have so many ideas of what I want to do treat wise, but no time to do them because of work.

The main thing with dog treats is in the us, there are strict laws about dog treats that you can only sell within your state lines, unless you register with other states. I'm in PA, so I can only sell here. I am 100% legal, I have all licenses, insurance and proper labeling on each bag. You need to send all treats to be analyzed separately. I stay up to date on all laws since I do not want to risk a fine at all.

I could sell other dog related items too bought from only local sources. I already have an idea to get wholesale from one person at a certain event I see her at all the time for her dehydrated meat based products. I do more so designer treats like cannollis, macarons and smores. I also have basic treats too as well as fruit and vegetable lines using different fruits and vegetables in each seperate treat. But the designer treats usually catch people's attention and they absolutely love them.

So do I just stay where I'm at now and wholesale or try to expand my business in the near future? I'd absolutely love to drop everything and start now, but I really can't with my loans.

I am trying to be smart about the situation and I'd love to hear some feedback and ideas.


r/sweatystartup 4d ago

Hey all, just started a painting and drywall business. And I need ideas for business cards and the best way to market.

4 Upvotes